How Subutex Treatment Works

Approved in 2002 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of opioid dependency, Subutex has since assisted countless patients in reliving physical symptoms associated with withdrawal. This partial opioid agonist-antagonist is prescribed to patients within licensed treatment centers to assist in them in recovering from opioid addictions. Subutex consists of buprenorphine hydrochloride as its active ingredient, which provides relief from the physical discomforts often associated with withdrawal while also eliminating cravings for continued opioid use. Subutex is typically prescribed daily in the form of a dissolvable tablet that is absorbed into a person’s system when it is consumed.

Patients who are prescribed Subutex will not experience cognitive disruptions, which allow individuals to play active roles in daily activities without impairment. There are several medications available for patients to incorporate into their treatment at Discovery House Comprehensive Treatment Center of Maine. Because of this, patients should work closely with our treatment team in order to determine the appropriate fit based upon their individual treatment requirements and goals. When taken as prescribed, the use of Subutex is extremely safe.

The use of Subutex will not cause patients to experience disruptions in their cognitive functioning, which allows individuals who are prescribed this medication to play active roles in daily obligations. Extensive research has confirmed the safety of Subutex when taken as directed and under the close guidance of a trained professional as the use of this medication will not cause vital organ damage.

The Benefits of Treatment & Counseling

The Benefits of Subutex Treatment & Counseling

Discovery House Comprehensive Treatment Center of Maine provides patients the opportunity to receive treatment for both the physical and emotional components of their addictions. We believe that in order for lasting recovery to take place, patients must address and process the underlying causes of their addictive behaviors. Our medication assisted treatment provides relief from the physical symptoms of withdrawal while also providing patients with the mental clarity that is required in order to successfully progress in treatment. Therapeutic interventions, such as individual and group therapy, are available for patients to incorporate into their treatment plan so as to increase the likelihood that lasting recovery will take place. The following stages will be experienced by patients as they progress in their treatment:

Induction: Patients are first introduced to Subutex during the induction phase of treatment. Typically, individuals are still experiencing withdrawal symptoms that often occur after the use of opioids has stopped.

Stabilization: This second phase of treatment takes place once a patient is no longer experiencing withdrawal symptoms or craving continued opioid use. During the stabilization phase of treatment, patients are able to alter their dosage of Subutex depending on their individual treatment requirements.

Maintenance: During the Maintenance phase of treatment, patients are stable enough to discuss safely tapering off of Subutex and either transitioning onto a different medication or remaining opioid-free without the assistance of a prescription.

Individual and group therapy sessions are designed to provide patients with a safe environment in which to openly discuss the root causes of their behaviors. Once a patient understands why he or she turned to the abuse of opioids in the first place, preparing for a substance-free future becomes a reality. Individual sessions also provide patients with the chance to work through any issues or questions that may arise during the course of treatment, and group therapy sessions bring patients together with other individuals who are also receiving treatment for addiction. When patients are given the opportunity to work alongside others who understand the overwhelming challenges associated with this disease, patients are able to provide and receive the support and encouragement that is imperative to their recovery.

How to Support Your Loved One During Medication Assisted Treatment: Addiction affects everyone that is involved, not just the individuals who are physically abusing a substance or substances. Because of this, it is extremely important that you seek treatment while your loved one is progressing in his or her recovery. Individual therapy, family therapy, and support groups are all excellent sources of support, education, and guidance, and can assist you in providing your loved one with the support that he or she requires.

How You Can Be Successful in a Medication Assisted Treatment Program:Patients of Discovery House Comprehensive Treatment Center of Maine should keep the following in mind as they navigate through treatment:

Follow all guidelines in regards to taking Subutex.

Attend and play an active role in all scheduled individual and group therapy sessions.

Openly communicate any issues or questions that may arise while taking Subutex. Adjustments can be made throughout the course of treatment if necessary.

Do not consume alcohol and/or opioids during the course of treatment.

Voice any questions that may arise during treatment as the staff at Discovery House Comprehensive Treatment Center of Maine is here to assist you throughout the treatment process. We are here to ensure that each patient receives the highest quality of care available.

Side Effects

The Side Effects of Subutex

As is true with many prescription medications, the use of Subutex can cause patients to experience side effects. Individuals should openly discuss the use of any other prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and/or substances with their prescribing physician prior to incorporating the use of Subutex into their treatment plans in order to avoid any dangerous interactions. The following side effects have been reported by patients who have been prescribed Subutex:

Most common side effects:

Constipation

Nausea

Anxiety

Depression

Sleeplessness

Sweating

Weakness

Headache

Infections

Pain

Back pain

Withdrawal symptoms

Fairly common side effects:

Vomiting

Dizziness

Nervousness

Runny eyes

Tiredness

Chills

Flu-like symptoms

Diarrhea

Less common side effects:

Accidental injury

Upset stomach

Abscesses

Fever

The compassionate team of addiction treatment experts at Discovery House Comprehensive Treatment Center of Maine is here to assist you or someone that you care about in safely returning to a life without addiction. Patients are invited to work closely with our staff to develop a customized plan of treatment that treats their unique treatment requirements and goals.